Men's Volleyball Huskies look to keep winning ways going on road

You could tell by looking at the standings, but not in their mentality that the Keyano Huskies Men's Volleyball team are winners of six-straight games and challenging for the top spot in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference's (ACAC) North Division.

As each week's challenges rises, so do the Huskies plan to as if both teams were beginning their season anew. 

"We just want to keep going with the momentum we've had since Concordia," said Head Coach Keegan Kuhr. "I thought that Saturday's match had all things rolling.

"I just look to continue that against a pretty scrappy Augustana team."

The University of Alberta – Augustana Vikings are one rung higher than the Concordia Thunder, placing themselves sixth in the seven-team division. However, even at 2-6 on the season, their record is a bit deceiving after playing strong matches against the other top teams in the division, coming close to taking a few sets from the division-leading King's University Eagles.

"In practice, we've been stepping it up a lot too, just making sure that we're going up to these next harder games and making sure that we don't stop the grind and there's no hiccups," said middle Carter Bragg. 

While the Huskies have enjoyed the friendly confines of the Syncrude Sport and Wellness Centre for four of those six wins, raising their stock throughout the rest of the regular season will require strong play on the road with seven of their final eight games on the road.

"Going on the road, the travel is sometimes tough," said Kuhr. "We try and prepare the exact same on the road and at home.

"I think that helps. We've performed well in both places."

Helping bring that energy on the road will be middle Athus Silva. The defending Huskies Athlete of the Week, Silva has been credited with nearly 40 per cent of the Huskies' blocks this season.

He ranks third in the ACAC with 0.94 blocks per set, just ahead of teammate Preston Yole in fourth.

"Athus has been better for us in 2022," said Kuhr. "I've just got to keep challenging him, I've got to keep pushing him.

"When he brings energy and some enthusiasm, he can be one of the best players out there." 

The Huskies and Vikings square off on Friday, January 21 at 6:00 with a rematch Saturday at 1:00 p.m. in Camrose, Alta.